Saudi authorities have officially fixed Wednesday, May 27, 2026, for the celebration of Eid al-Adha after the crescent moon signaling the beginning of Dhul Hijjah was sighted on Sunday evening.
The country’s Supreme Court confirmed that Monday, May 18, marks the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.
A report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated that Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj will observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, which corresponds with the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, before Eid al-Adha celebrations commence the following day.
The Day of Arafat is regarded as the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, drawing millions of worshippers to Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca for prayers and spiritual devotion.
Eid al-Adha, widely known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah before a ram was divinely provided as a substitute.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every Muslim who is physically fit and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
